How can I create a development site for Shopify theme customization?

Store Design
1

Hello, helping out a friend on their shopify store. They asked for a custom themed landing page. I want to set up a separate “development mode” so I can work on their theme without affecting the production of their site.

It seems I have these options for a “development mode” of sorts.

  1. Set up a “development stores” as a partner

  2. Themes can be duplicated within Shopify and worked on and then activated when they are finalized

If I went the route of option 1, I’d have to:
A. Products can be exported from one store and imported into a development store

or

B. https://apps.shopify.com/duplicate-store → there is this app to duplicate from one store into a development store

I believe option 2 is my easiest / best / most preferred option for some simple changes, correct?

2

Hi @mattgx

Definitely go for option 2, the theme will have 0 effect on the live theme and you can share the work with your friend in real time for feedback. Just click on the Theme’s “Action” and duplicate the store.

Et voila!

Should that answer your question please don’t forget to like & mark as solution!

1 Like
3

Hey @JHKCreate , thank you! I believe if I do that, he has to give me full access? Or can he create it and just give me access to the dev theme?

4

He would have to give you “Theme” permission, which means access to the live and duplicated theme. No choice other than that !